Ivanhoe Mines‘ latest exploration success in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has extended the Makoko discovery to over 13 kilometers, with high-grade copper deposits now confirmed in the newly identified Makoko West.
The company’s 2025 exploration budget stands at $75 million, with 102,000 meters of drilling planned.
The Western Forelands, already one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper districts, continues to expand, attracting global interest amid soaring copper demand.
At the Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference, Ivanhoe Mines Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland hailed the discovery as a “step-change” for copper mining in the DRC, emphasizing its resemblance to the prolific Kamoa-Kakula deposits.
“The western extension of Makoko is demonstrating high copper grades at shallower depths potentially a logical place to commence mine development activities,” Friedland stated.
The discovery comes at a crucial time for the DRC, which holds over 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves and significant copper deposits but has struggled with infrastructure and political instability.
With the expansion of the Makoko-Kitoko mineralized system, Ivanhoe has also secured 336 square kilometers of new licenses west of Makoko West, bringing its Western Forelands holdings to five times the size of the Kamoa-Kakula complex.
Boost for Africa’s Copper Hub and Global Markets
The significance of Ivanhoe’s latest breakthrough extends beyond the DRC. As global industries shift towards electrification, copper remains a critical element in renewable energy technologies.
The expansion of Makoko could further elevate Africa’s role in global copper supply chains, reducing dependency on traditional producers such as Chile and Peru.
This discovery strengthens the DRC’s standing as a premier copper producer. Currently, the country competes with Zambia for dominance in Africa’s copper sector.
The Makoko expansion and its geological similarities to Kamoa-Kakula suggest that the DRC could surpass Zambia’s copper output in the coming years, especially as investment in processing infrastructure grows.
Challenges Amidst Political Uncertainty
Despite the optimism surrounding the Makoko discovery, challenges remain. The DRC’s eastern regions are still plagued by armed conflicts, raising concerns about security and logistics for mining operations.
Political instability, governance issues, and regulatory uncertainty continue to weigh on investor confidence.
Moreover, the country’s mining sector faces increasing scrutiny over transparency, with calls for stronger oversight of foreign investments.
Chinese companies, which dominate much of the DRC’s mining sector, may view Ivanhoe’s expansion as a challenge to their influence, potentially leading to new geopolitical tensions in the resource-rich nation.
A Defining Moment for Copper in Africa
With Ivanhoe Mines targeting a Mineral Resource Estimate for Makoko and Kitoko in Q2 2025, the global mining community will be watching closely.
If further drilling confirms even larger reserves, the Western Forelands could become one of the most significant copper mining regions in the world.
For now, Ivanhoe’s latest findings signal a new era for copper mining in the DRC. As demand for the red metal surges globally, the success of Makoko could be a turning point not just for Ivanhoe Mines, but for Africa’s role in the global energy transition.
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